Maui Locals Help Visitors Stay Safe at Unguarded Beaches

When waves turn deadly at Maui's beautiful but unguarded beaches, locals with ocean wisdom will now be there to help visitors make safer choices.

The Maui Nui Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi just launched the Aloha Kai Safety Ambassadors, a volunteer program that stations knowledgeable residents at risky beaches when conditions get dangerous. Funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and partnering with Maui County's fire department, the program focuses on prevention through education rather than rescue.

Volunteers won't enter the water or perform rescues. Instead, they'll share what they know about ocean conditions, help visitors understand the risks, and point them toward safer, lifeguarded beaches when needed.

The timing matters. In May, two visitors from Kazakhstan died after being caught in rough surf at unguarded Wailea Beach, highlighting a serious gap in Maui's beach safety. Only 12 lifeguard towers cover dozens of popular beaches across the island, and between 2015 and 2024, Maui County recorded 207 fatal ocean drownings, with visitors making up the vast majority.

"Education is crucial to prevent emergencies," said Fire Chief Bradford Ventura. "These volunteers will be able to provide beachgoers education on ocean conditions and suggest safer options besides entering the water during dangerous periods."

The program asks for just a small commitment. Residents can volunteer for a few high-risk surf days each year, making it manageable even for busy schedules. Maui Fire Department Ocean Safety personnel will train all volunteers, who'll also receive program gear and support.

The Ripple Effect

This simple idea creates wins across the board. Visitors gain local knowledge that could save their lives. First responders face fewer emergency calls. And the local community gets to share their aloha while protecting both guests and their island's resources.

Alexandra Witkin, director of Maui Nui Visitor's Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi, captured the spirit perfectly: "This is an opportunity for kamaʻāina who are familiar with the ocean to educate our malihini (visitors) with aloha so that they are empowered to be more aware when they're at unguarded beaches."

The first volunteer outreach day happens August 10 at Napili Bay. Interested residents can reach Witkin at assistance@anchorandally.net or 808-264-4773.

Sometimes the best solutions come from neighbors helping neighbors, with local knowledge becoming a lifeline for those who need it most.